Halibut with Nut Crust and Apple Vinaigrette

Halibut takes on great flavor with this hazelnut crust, complemented by the crunch and tang of the apple vinaigrette. In spring, I’ll collect some pea vines from our garden to saute and serve alongside. If you’re not able to find halibut, other firm white fish, such as turbot or sea bass, can be used.–Renée Behnke

Directions

Make the vinaigrette

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the apple and shallot and cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes, until the shallot is tender. Stir in the lemon juice, sugar, and remaining 5 tablespoons vegetable oil.

2. Transfer half this mixture to a food processor and pulse a few times to finely chop. Combine this with the remaining apple/shallot mixture in a medium bowl. Whisk in the vinegar, nut oil, mustard, thyme, lemon zest, and peppercorns. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside. (Refrigerate the dressing if making more than 1 hour in advance; allow it to come to room temperature before serving.)

Make the nut crust

3. Combine the nuts, lemon zest, thyme, salt, mustard, and cayenne in the food processor. Pulse 10 to 15 times to finely chop the nuts, until they have a texture of bread crumbs; avoid overprocessing. You don’t want to make nut paste. Transfer to a shallow dish.

Make the halibut

4. Stir together the melted butter and vegetable oil in a shallow dish. Dip the halibut in this to evenly coat, allowing the excess to drip off. Immediately coat the fish evenly with the nut crust and set on the baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, until the crust is nicely browned and the fish is just opaque throughout (the timing will vary depending on the thickness of the fish).

5. To serve, set the halibut pieces on individual warmed plates. Stir the vinaigrette to remix and spoon it over and alongside the fish.

Do-Ahead Tips

The apple vinaigrette can be made up to 1 day in advance and refrigerated. The halibut can be coated with the nut crust and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before cooking. The fish should be baked just before serving.